Fallon aiming for Golan boost

Kieren Fallon is hoping to bag a few more winners at this week’s Ebor Meeting at York before he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

And he aims to start the three-day meeting in style with the plum ride on Golan in the feature Juddmonte International Stakes this afternoon.

He was found guilty of irresponsible riding of a minor nature on Golden Nun at Newmarket on Saturday, and as he had already amassed 16 days of suspensions in a rolling year, it triggered an appearance before the Disciplinary Committee of the Jockey Club.

As a result he could be sidelined for up to 14 days but Fallon is currently focusing on his bulging book of rides on the Knavesmire, where he has been installed as the 5-2 favourite to be leading jockey.

He said: “I have some lovely rides there – Golan travelled so well in the King George that the drop back in trip should not be a problem in the Juddmonte International.

“Islington is in great form and will take all the beating in the Yorkshire Oaks and Russian Rhythm must have a great chance in the Lowther Stakes.”

A possible lengthy spell on the sidelines could impact on Fallon’s bid to pick up a fifth jockey’s championship as nearest rival Richard Hughes could have a chance to steal the march on him.

But, speaking at Nottingham on Monday, Fallon revealed he is determined to hold on to his title despite a ban.

He said: “That would give Richard (Hughes) a big chance of closing the gap and it he could easily at least get level with me, but it is not over yet by a long chalk!

“He has the powerful Richard Hannon stable behind him, and of course he has plenty of good horses owned by Khalid Abdullah in a lot of other big stables to ride – so things are going to be very interesting and you will have plenty to write about!”

Fallon explained: “They have said that they cannot hold the inquiry at the Jockey Club this Thursday because York is on, so it will probably be a week later, but hopefully I don’t have to miss Doncaster’s St Leger meeting.

“They don’t have this totting-system anywhere else as far as I know, I don’t think is it fair, but the Rules are as they are and we all have to abide by them.”